Joe Gomez
Arsenal one of a host of Premier League clubs monitoring Charlton defender Joe Gomez (R) Getty

Arsenal are reportedly one of the Premier League teams monitoring Charlton defender Joe Gomez.

According to the Telegraph, the young defender has attracted a lot of interest following his impressive performances for Charlton in the Championship so far this season, and the Gunners are said to be keeping a close eye on his progress.

The 17-year-old defender has made 17 appearances in the league for Charlton thus far this season, and even though he plays at right-back, it is believed that in the long-term his best position is at centre-back.

Apart from representing the Addicks, the youngster also represents England at U19 level and was a key player for the U17s when they won the European Championship in 2014. He was also named in the UEFA team of the tournament following his impressive showing for the junior Three Lions.

The north London club will be in pole position to sign the youngster ahead of other interested clubs, as they have developed a good understanding with Charlton in recent seasons after signing Carl Jenkinson from the south London club in 2012 as well as loaning Francis Coquelin at the end of last year.

Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has praised fellow midfielder Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla ahead of the Gunners' trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley.

The English midfielder has been out of action since November and just made his return to the first-team is aware of the competition ahead of him to make it to the starting XI.

"[Aaron's] main attribute is his energy, his leadership, he wants to drive the team forward and he can score goals. You look at the best midfielders in the world over the last few years like Lampard and Gerrard, who can score goals, and he's got that," Wilshere told Arsenal's official site.

"With Santi it's easy to play because he understands the game so well. If I come inside, he'll go outside and we'll link up. Now he's got more responsibility in the centre of midfield and he's done brilliantly there over the last few months. He's probably the easiest player to play with," the Three Lions midfielder added.